Preview — The Third Man
by Kevin Scott Olson

The Third Man

Late night, the Caribbean Sea: Ex-Navy SEAL Michael Quinn, now a CIA special operative, is on a solo scuba dive, hunting for stolen weapons that could threaten the Western World. Late night, Laguna Beach, California: An art gallery owner arrives home to find his world turned violently upside down, and his life on the line, because of a secret known only to him. These fatefLate night, the Caribbean Sea: Ex-Navy SEAL Michael Quinn, now a CIA special operative, is on a solo scuba dive, hunting for stolen weapons that could threaten the Western World. Late night, Laguna Beach, California: An art gallery owner arrives home to find his world turned violently upside down, and his life on the line, because of a secret known only to him. These fateful events form "The Third Man, " the exciting prologue to the best-selling debut thriller "Night of the Bonfire."...more

Community Reviews

Once again another wonderful action-filled story starting in the middle of things. Even though I've read several of Kevins works by now I still get surprised by the way he makes you feel like in the middle of an action-movie after just a few rows of text.

This one is a Prologue and strongly connected to Night of the Bonfire so I recommend you to read both of them to get the full experience. If nothing else because this one will make you want to...

Have read several of Michael Quinn's stories and this too is a good one. Short they are but full of action and mystery. The author, Kevin Scott Olson, is a master story teller. Glad I won this free book from Goodreads.com. Thanks.

I received a copy of The Third Man from the author for review. I have enjoyed reading books in the Michael Quinn series before. This is a prologue to the Night of the Bonfire. There is a short mission Michael Quinn goes on and then some events that happen to another man. I know this is a prequel but, I had no interest in what was happening to the characters. The sections don't appear to be connected. And, there is no hint at an ending. The action just starts to heat up and then it ends. I am surI received a copy of The Third Man from the author for review. I have enjoyed reading books in the Michael Quinn series before. This is a prologue to the Night of the Bonfire. There is a short mission Michael Quinn goes on and then some events that happen to another man. I know this is a prequel but, I had no interest in what was happening to the characters. The sections don't appear to be connected. And, there is no hint at an ending. The action just starts to heat up and then it ends. I am sure it will make more sense once I read the Night of the Bonfire. This is definitely not a standalone....more

This was my first read by this author. Let me start off by saying it was not a disappointment. I was very pleased by the content and length. It was just enouggh action to hold my attention. Well written. A book to look forward to if you plan to read it.

I loved the old Albert “Cubby” Broccoli James Bond films. They were incredibly formulaic – jump right in with some stunt / effects heavy opening action scene, then ease into a plot where we discover that the British Secret Service believes some rich evil genius is scheming to take over the world. Send Bond in to meet him undercover (which is never effective), engage in some minor skirmishes while the master plan prepares for fruition, then resolve everything with the final situation in some majoI loved the old Albert “Cubby” Broccoli James Bond films. They were incredibly formulaic – jump right in with some stunt / effects heavy opening action scene, then ease into a plot where we discover that the British Secret Service believes some rich evil genius is scheming to take over the world. Send Bond in to meet him undercover (which is never effective), engage in some minor skirmishes while the master plan prepares for fruition, then resolve everything with the final situation in some major battle. Well, not everything … leave a tiny follow-up battle with some henchman for the tail end.

In “The Third Man”, Kevin Scott Olson rolls out the prologue to his Michael Quinn novel, “Night of the Bonfire”, under separate cover. He tossed in the first couple of chapters of the full novel in as a bonus. It felt exactly like those Bond movies I loved. Which is precisely why I did NOT like the book – when I jump into a new literary universe, I don't want to find out that it is almost exactly like another one where I've spent plenty of time in my day. (OK, maybe not 100%, but the exceptions actually prove out the rule.)

Mr. Olson demonstrates a lot of talent in creating a scenario and in describing a scene. I encourage him to stretch out and use that talent to find his own voice rather than channeling another from the past.

I bet a lot of people WILL enjoy this book and will eagerly follow up with the full novel. I am not one of them.

RATING: 2 1/2 stars, rounded up to 3 stars in applications where 1/2 stars are not permitted.

DISCLOSURE: I was awarded this book in a random draw, without obligation. It was stated that an honest review would be appreciated, and hinted that a timely one would be even more appreciated. For once, I actually accomplished both....more

Disclaimer: a free ebook copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange of an honest review.

When the author conctated me and asked me if I was interested in reading the last Michael Quinn's adventure, I couldn't have possibly said no. I liked the previous novellas and I really liked Night of the Bonfire, so I couldn't wait to read its prologue.

What I like the most about Michael - and I know I said it before in a previous review - it's that he's only human, after all. He can be an eDisclaimer: a free ebook copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange of an honest review.

When the author conctated me and asked me if I was interested in reading the last Michael Quinn's adventure, I couldn't have possibly said no. I liked the previous novellas and I really liked Night of the Bonfire, so I couldn't wait to read its prologue.

What I like the most about Michael - and I know I said it before in a previous review - it's that he's only human, after all. He can be an ex-Navy SEAL and now a CIA operative agent, but still even with all the training in the world he can be afraid or he can't know immediately what to do in a certain situation. He's real because he needs organization and time to have most of everything under control and to be prepared for variables he couldn't have predicted. What I like about him it's that he admits to need training and to be afraid when it comes down to danger.

Michael is still a beautiful and captivating character, he gets you so involved you're with him in the situation he's living in.

And so we meet Michael when he's about to go underwater, searching for proofs about missiles that can be a threat to our safety because a tyrant in Agua Rica is ready to launch them and start a war against US and all the democratic world. And so we're underwater with Michael, with beautiful exotic fish and dangers in disguise.

On a rational thought, you know that Michael is gonna make out of it alive because The Third Man is the prologue to Night of the Bonfire - but nonetheless I was scared to death while he was in the water tripping back to the boat. Those waters were full of frightnening things - alive and not. Way to make your readers have a heart attack, Kevin.

We left Michael safe and sound on the boat, where he tells his coxwain that he's got a mission in Mexico and then he can rest for a while. In fact, we found Michael in Mexico in the beginning of Night of the Bonfire, but we also know there's no rest ahead for him.

Then the scene changes to Laguna Beach, earlier that day, and we meet Lloyd Blackwell - and that man is the reason why everything happens from that moment on. In Night of the Bonfire, he was only a name and the start of Michael's new mission; here we know him a little better. But we also know this infamous "third man" of the title.

It's a very short prologue, but so full of action and events that you have to put your seat belt on because it's gonna be one heck of a ride. Full speed and no breaks. It's everything I didn't know I needed. Only a few pages, but so breathtaking in their pace and unfolding. I can't have enough of Michael Quinn and Kevin Scott Olson is such a good writer.

English is not my first language, so feel free to correct me if I made some mistakes while writing this review. ...more

"WHAT????" is the very statement I made when I finished this. I grumbled and mumbled while going back and forth on the pages to figure out if there was a sneak peek for the next book. Once I found there was, I was happy for a few minutes. But there is a reason there is a sneak peek! It worked Mr. Olson, it worked! I'm sufficiently hooked!

I love a good suspenseful action packed kind of book. Even though this was a short story (ends at approx. 61%) it has a decent amount of intrigue to get you int"WHAT????" is the very statement I made when I finished this. I grumbled and mumbled while going back and forth on the pages to figure out if there was a sneak peek for the next book. Once I found there was, I was happy for a few minutes. But there is a reason there is a sneak peek! It worked Mr. Olson, it worked! I'm sufficiently hooked!

I love a good suspenseful action packed kind of book. Even though this was a short story (ends at approx. 61%) it has a decent amount of intrigue to get you into the story. Michael Quinn is the character you're introduced to right off the bat and he's on a mission that takes him into the very depth of insanity. Well in my opinion that is! Since it involves dark waters, suspense, sea life, bad guys, and fear.These are all things that make an epic start to any really amazing thriller! Yes, I've snagged up "Night of the Bonfire" already!...more

This publication claims to be a Michael Quinn short story as well as the prologue to Night of the Bonfire. The second claim may be true, but it is certainly not a short story.

At only 57 pages, it is basically a promotional piece for Night of the Bonfire.

The first 27 pages read like a prologue. Ex-Navy SEAL Michael Quinn, rigged out in his scuba gear, dives into the waters of Agua Rica Bay in the Caribbean. His mission is to find some SLBMs — submarine-launched ballistic missiA GoodReads Giveaway

This publication claims to be a Michael Quinn short story as well as the prologue to Night of the Bonfire. The second claim may be true, but it is certainly not a short story.

At only 57 pages, it is basically a promotional piece for Night of the Bonfire.

The first 27 pages read like a prologue. Ex-Navy SEAL Michael Quinn, rigged out in his scuba gear, dives into the waters of Agua Rica Bay in the Caribbean. His mission is to find some SLBMs — submarine-launched ballistic missiles, obtain photographic proof of their existence, and hightail it for home base — or wherever.

Okay, this is thriller material. So far, so good.

Chapter two introduces Lloyd Backwell, an art collector, who is immediately assaulted at his home. Three men rough him up and hog-tie him. Threatening torture, the third (!) man in the trio promises pain and misery. Referring to a bowl of muriatic acid The Third Man says, “We will start with, say, three fingers of your left hand.”

Then Blackwell kicks over the coffee table.

Okay, this is thriller material. So far, so good.

Then — "To be continued in the bestselling Michael Quinn thriller Night of the Bonfire" — which, nevertheless, sounds like it is a dandy yarn.

Next —four pages of blurbs.

Lastly, a couple of opening chapters from Night of the Bonfire.

I have no problem with the existence of promotional literature. But call it what it is.

The asking price for this booklet is $6.99 Canadian. I can’t imagine anyone actually paying this price. Promotional material ought to be free.

Hey, I received my copy of “The Third Man” as a GoodReads GiveAway. I shouldn’t be one to talk, eh b’ys?

Watch for The Night of the Bonfire. It sounds like a fine thriller, typically characteristic of the genre....more

This short story divides into two parts. The first part revolves around Quinn and his mission to expose the possesion of dangerous stolen weapons. While it is expected of him to always get the job done, his diving adventure soon turns out to be very exciting, as dangers arise from the strangest places. The suspense is building up, as Quinn is putting up a fight for his survival.The second part describes in full detail a terror scene which was only briefly mentioned in the novel that follows thisThis short story divides into two parts. The first part revolves around Quinn and his mission to expose the possesion of dangerous stolen weapons. While it is expected of him to always get the job done, his diving adventure soon turns out to be very exciting, as dangers arise from the strangest places. The suspense is building up, as Quinn is putting up a fight for his survival.The second part describes in full detail a terror scene which was only briefly mentioned in the novel that follows this short story. An art collector is forced to reveal his big secret, but the open ending only finds its closure in the page-turning novel.I thought this was the best of Kevin Scott Olson's short stories. It was different, half of the storyline takes place under water and the author's imagination simply skyrockets, as he puts Quinn through unimaginable situations and the character somehow always makes it out alive. The scene with the art collector was also brilliantly described and very easy to visualize.The Michael Quinn series is very enjoyable and I do hope the author continues writing it....more

Just enough of a teaser to make you want more. Action packed and full of great detail in his writing I enjoyed this short story from the first page...looking forward to reading the full book. I won this book in a goodreads giveaway, thank you.

What a great teaser for Night of the Bonfire. It definitely left me wanting more. That's why I didn't give it five stars...I wanted more! I enjoy Kevin Scott Olson's writing style, action packed, with detail given both to the surroundings and the technical aspects. While not totally realistic, the story is believable. It is a fine line to walk and Olson does it very well.

I received a digital copy for review and am looking forward to picking up a copy of the full length novel Night of the BonfireWhat a great teaser for Night of the Bonfire. It definitely left me wanting more. That's why I didn't give it five stars...I wanted more! I enjoy Kevin Scott Olson's writing style, action packed, with detail given both to the surroundings and the technical aspects. While not totally realistic, the story is believable. It is a fine line to walk and Olson does it very well.

I received a digital copy for review and am looking forward to picking up a copy of the full length novel Night of the Bonfire....more

Kevin Scott Olson has quickly become one of my favorite Authors, so when he asked me if I wanted to read his latest novella I immediately said yes. I knew I would not be disappointed, when even though I just wanted to read a little bit before bed, I ended up reading the whole book in one sitting. I was at the edge of my seat, the only negative thing about the whole book is that it was not long enough for me. I hope that there will be many more books in the series, Michael Quinn is our american JKevin Scott Olson has quickly become one of my favorite Authors, so when he asked me if I wanted to read his latest novella I immediately said yes. I knew I would not be disappointed, when even though I just wanted to read a little bit before bed, I ended up reading the whole book in one sitting. I was at the edge of my seat, the only negative thing about the whole book is that it was not long enough for me. I hope that there will be many more books in the series, Michael Quinn is our american James Bond. Love it. ...more

This book was given to me by the author. It is full of action from the very first page. The first story is very short and reacquaints you with Michael Quinn.The second story is the prologue to The Night of the Bonfire. It will definitely make you want to get this book to read. I look forward to reading it.

For fans of Michael Quinn this is a short prequel to Night of the Bonfire. Former Navy Seal finds himself scuba diving for stolen weapons but nothing is ever simple. Another fast paced story line that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The Third Man is a short story which is a prequel to Night of the Bonfire. It is fast moving and action packed. I think it will appeal to fans of James Bond and the espionage genre. Of course, now I want to read the Night of the Bonfire.

A graduate of the University of California, San Diego, Kevin Scott Olson also attended Georgetown University, and holds professional degrees from The American College. In his business career, he has received numerous industry awards and published articles in leading financial journals.

Kevin lives in southern California, where his hobbies include travel, outdoor sports, and keeping up with the ad

A graduate of the University of California, San Diego, Kevin Scott Olson also attended Georgetown University, and holds professional degrees from The American College. In his business career, he has received numerous industry awards and published articles in leading financial journals.

Kevin lives in southern California, where his hobbies include travel, outdoor sports, and keeping up with the adventures of ex-Navy SEAL Michael Quinn.

His debut Michael Quinn novel, Night of the Bonfire, is an Amazon Best Seller, reaching #6 of the top 100 novels in its genre.